The companion piece to director Tony Palmer's documentary of the same name, Irish Tour was recorded in January 1974 in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork at a time when precious few performers – Irish or otherwise – were even dreaming of touring the trouble-torn island. Northern Ireland, in particular, was a rock & roll no-go area, but Gallagher never turned his back on the province and was rewarded with what history recalls as some of his best-ever gigs…

The album is a body of work which sees Dexys putting their heart and soul into every track that Kevin Rowland has wanted to do since the mid-1980s. Drawing on Rowland and co-producer/core band member Sean Read’s Irish roots, the album is a combination of their interpretations of Irish songs and other select compositions. Each song has been given at least the same level of attention and care as any of their own songs would be. This record is not a stop gap, or a fill in album. It is not a covers album.

A very improbable musical connection happens….on the one side blues harmonica electric guitar and vocals from a whisper to striking rock singer ("Zappa" Johann Cermak - Frontman of "Bluespumpm")..on the other side, violin, banjo, guitar ("Judith Pechoc") chelo, tin whistle ("Nadja Milfait") and their voices "The Wild Irish Lasses".The result is powerful and quite different from what one would assume.

A follow-up to A Whistle on the Wind and Song of the Irish Whistle, this CD continues in the same vein, featuring Joanie Madden on an array of Irish whistles, backed by an even wider array of guest instrumentalists. The selections are, again, mostly traditional tunes arranged by Madden and Brian Keane, with a few original compositions thrown in for good measure. Overall, the tone of 'Song of the Irish Whistle 2' falls somewhere between lilting and gently ambling, with occasional forays into the livelier, percussive realm of jigs and other dances.

Such sweet sounds from such a simple instrument! Joanie Madden's plaintive whistle playing is full of expressive nuance, and this album showcases her talent, versatility and soul. Beginning with an original, achingly beautiful lament that accrues layers of accompaniment as it lilts along, the album then proceeds to alternate between orchestrated numbers and pieces with a more traditional feel.